Shining Days: The Path of Selfless Service

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

On the twentieth of October, 2024, during the second session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offered these profound teachings on the nature of a life well-lived.

What Defines a Shining Day?

What, then, constitutes a truly shining day? It is not a day defined by worldly success, personal comfort, or the accumulation of material wealth. Rather, a shining day is one lived entirely for the benefit of others. It is a day in which one sets aside the self to focus solely on helping countless suffering beings leave suffering behind and find true happiness. When you put this intention into actual practice, every moment of that day becomes a shining light.

The Example of Practitioner Su

At this very moment, we can witness such a life in action. Practitioner Su, who manifests in this human world to guide us, treats one day as if it were two. He does not waste a single minute or second. He is constantly engaged in the work of Chao Du, saving beings and even demons. By dedicating his life to the salvation of others, he lives a life that is truly radiant—a shining day that never fades.

As members of the fourfold assembly who witness this dedication, we must reflect deeply: are we inspired to follow this path? Are we willing to emulate this spirit of selfless service in our own lives?

The Radiance of the Pure Heart

This shining light originates from within the heart. It is the pure, golden light of Goodness—a light of absolute selflessness and no-self. When we look at the heart-light of Practitioner Su, we see that he places Namo Amituofo above all else. He has made the Buddha’s vow to save countless suffering beings his own personal vow.

Because of this, wherever his Dharma Body performs the work of Chao Du, Namo Amituofo is always there by his side, leading sentient beings into the light. This is the greatest blessing for all beings; it is an opportunity that is difficult to encounter even in millions of years.

The Power of Buddha-Light

At any given moment, there are countless spirits following Practitioner Su, seeking Spiritual Deliverance. When the Buddha-light shines upon these sentient beings, they are instantly purified. Their spirits are elevated, and they are guided to their next destination based on their karmic conditions:

• Those with the appropriate affinity may be led into the human realm or the heavenly realm.
• Those who chant Namo Amituofo with sincerity are granted entry into the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

A Call to the Fourfold Assembly

These shining days are not reserved for the few; they are available to you and to me. However, we must ask ourselves if we are truly prepared to walk this path. We must look at the Hsiang Kuang fourfold assembly and consider the following:

• Are you actively working to change your personality traits and selfishness?
• Are you disciplined and fiercely diligent in your practice?
• Are you striving to rediscover your true self?
• Is your compassion manifesting in your daily life, allowing you to see all beings as one?

If you can align your heart and your vows with Namo Amituofo, you too can participate in this noble work of saving the world and guiding beings to liberation. Let us commit ourselves to this path, ensuring that our days are filled with the light of the Buddha. Namo Amituofo.